German the surprise choice to succeed Verbeek

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Australia have confirmed the appointment of Holger Osieck as the new national team coach to replace Pim Verbeek.

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The German was officially announced as Verbeek's successor by FFA chairman Frank Lowy ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Slovenia.

The 61-year-old is a surprise choice, with the FFA initially setting its sights on South Africa coach Carlos Parreira and Cameroon boss Paul Le Guen.

Osieck enjoyed a modest playing career in Germany before coaching stints in Turkey with Fenerbahce and in Japan's J-League with Urawa Red Diamonds.

He was assistant to Franz Beckenbauer when Germany won the 1990 World Cup and spent four years as Canada's national coach, guiding them to success in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2000.

"It's a great pleasure for me to be here and I feel very much honoured that I'm your choice," said Osieck.

"I am excited about working with the Socceroos.

"Taking over at a stage of natural transition as we start our preparations for 2014 is an ideal opportunity to influence the future direction of the young players and coaches from Australia."